Kia has treated eager car enthusiasts with a fresh batch of images showcasing its highly anticipated EV9 electric SUV. With the release date set for later this year, the newly released photo gallery presents both the standard model and the GT-Line variant, giving potential buyers a comprehensive look at what Kia’s 3-row EV has to offer.
The exterior design of the crossover embodies a bold and futuristic style while retaining Kia’s distinctive touch. Referred to as “Opposites United,” the design philosophy emphasizes a solid and geometric structure with clean lines, presenting an unapologetically bold SUV profile. Impressively, the overall look of the EV9 remains remarkably faithful to the initial concept, a feat that many manufacturers struggle to achieve.
Inside the EV9, Kia has managed to strike a balance between uniqueness and practicality, catering to the needs of the segment’s pragmatic clientele. Among the notable practical features is the optional swiveling second-row seats, which can rotate 180 degrees when the vehicle is stationary. This configuration allows second-row passengers not only to interact with those in the third row but also to recline their seats without encroaching on anyone’s legroom.
Regrettably, the U.S. market version of the SUV will not offer this feature. Additionally, the aerodynamic digital side view mirrors, with their viewing screens discreetly placed in the front corners of the cabin for familiarity, will also be absent from the United States model.
The EV9 will be available with two powertrain options: a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), both paired with a 99.8 kWh battery. The RWD variant boasts a single motor on the rear axle, generating 201 horsepower (204 PS / 150 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. This power enables the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in 9.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h).
Fortunately, the AWD model offers enhanced performance. It features two electric motors, each producing 189 horsepower (192 PS / 141 kW). The front motor delivers a torque of 184 lb-ft (250 Nm), while the rear motor offers 258 lb-ft (350 Nm), with the GT-Line version boasting 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque across the board. Acceleration times from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) are 6.0 seconds and 5.3 seconds for the Baseline and GT-Line trims, respectively.
Kia is targeting an impressive range of up to 336 miles (541 km) on the WLTP cycle for the RWD variants, while the AWD models are estimated to achieve around 304 miles (497 km). Considering the size of the vehicle, both figures are commendable. Moreover, the EV9’s 800V charging capability allows for a rapid replenishment of 239 km (149 miles) in just 15 minutes.
For those seeking even greater power, Kia has confirmed the development of an EV9 GT model, expected to feature the same robust powertrain as the EV6 GT, delivering 576 horsepower (429 kW) and 545 lb-ft (738 Nm) of torque. The high-performance EV9 GT will make its debut approximately one year after the release of the regular EV9 models, arriving in early 2025.
